The Role
Houghton Group is looking for an experienced Commercial Administrator to join our Commercial Team in Chelmsford, working alongside our Commercial Manager and Quantity Surveyors across our social housing contracts.
This is not a general administration role. We are looking for someone who understands the commercial process behind social housing repairs and maintenance, from works orders and SOR pricing through to completed works, valuations and invoice payment.
Previous social housing experience and practical experience working with Schedules of Rates (SORs) are essential.
Key Responsibilities
You will support the Commercial Team with:
- Raising, processing and reviewing works orders.
- Reviewing completed works against orders, checking SOR codes, labour, materials, quantities and rates.
- Monitoring contractor and subcontractor spend and identifying discrepancies.
- Supporting valuations, applications and invoicing.
- Managing and processing variations, quotations, recharges, credits and disputedinvoices.
- Checking subcontractor invoices against orders, agreed rates and completed works.
- Monitoring outstanding commercial actions and supporting contract reconciliations.
- Supporting contractor performance and KPI monitoring.
- Maintaining accurate commercial records and supporting information.
- Working closely with QSs, Contracts Managers, Supervisors, subcontractors and client teams to resolve commercial queries.
About You
We are looking for someone with:
- Previous commercial or contract administration experience within social housing repairs and maintenance.
- Practical experience working with Schedules of Rates (SORs) – essential.
- Experience raising and processing works orders.
- A good understanding of repairs and maintenance pricing.
- Experience dealing with variations, quotations, recharges, credits and invoice queries.
- A good understanding of the relationship between works orders, SOR codes, completed works, valuations, invoices and payments.
- Strong attention to detail and the confidence to identify and question discrepancies.
- Good Excel, IT and organisational skills.
- A proactive approach and confidence communicating with both commercial and operational teams.
About Houghton Group
Houghton Group is an established family-run contractor based in Chelmsford, delivering building, electrical, maintenance and retrofit works across the social housing and public sectors.
We work with local authorities and housing associations across Essex and the wider South East and continue to grow our portfolio of long-term contracts.
Benefits
- 28 days holiday, plus an additional day's annual leave for each year of service up to five years.
- Paid day off on your birthday.
- Discretionary sick pay.
- Pension contributions.
- Free on-site parking.
- Regular opportunities for further training and professional development.
- Support towards developing a long-term career in accounts.
- Biannual staff social events, including summer and Christmas gatherings.
- Enhanced maternity pay.
Pay: £30,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Do you have previous with Schedule of Rates
Work Location: In person
